In the Bleak Midwinter
In the Bleak Midwinter ( In the middle of the cold winter ) is a Christian poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). It has been set to music many times and has become a frequently sung carol . Well-known settings are by Gustav Holst (1874–1934), under the title Cranham , and by Harold Darke from the 20th century.
The hymnologist and theologian Ian Bradley questioned the theology of the poem: "Is it right to say that heaven cannot hold God, nor the earth sustain, and what about heaven and earth fleeing away when he comes to reign?" However, in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8.27) it says: “For should God really dwell on earth? Behold, heaven and the heavens of all heavens cannot contain you; how should this house that I built do? "
Concerning the passage “heaven and earth fleeing away”, many New Testament apocalyptic passages use such language, e. B. 2 Peter 3.10-11: “The heavens [will melt] with a great crash; but the elements will melt from the heat, and the earth and the works on it will burn up. So now all this is to dissolve, how shall you be skilled with holy walk and godly nature, that you wait and hurry to the future of the day of the Lord, on which the heavens will melt with fire and the elements will melt with heat! "
text
English | translation |
---|---|
In the bleak midwinter
Snow on snow,
Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
Enough for him, whom Cherubim
Angels and archangels
What can I give him,
|
In the middle of the cold winter
Snow on snow, in the
Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
Enough for Him whom cherubs
Angels and archangels
What can I give Him,
|
Web links
- hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com
- jvogelsaenger.de (German translation; MS Word ; 58 kB)
Videos
- Sound examples: a ( Gustav Holst ); b & c ( Memento of December 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) ( Harold Darke ); d ( Gloucester Cathedral Choir)
Individual evidence
- ^ The story behind the carol: In the bleak midwinter , Rupert Christiansen, The Daily Telegraph , December 14, 2007, UK.
- ↑ http://bibel-online.net/buch/luther_1912/1_koenige/8/#27
- ↑ http://bibel-online.net/buch/luther_1912/2_petrus/3/#10